Next up: Wasa Spaghetti Dinner & Bake Sale, then a Dessert Evening

Community engagement in the Kimberley Refugee Resettlement Group (KRRG) got a boost from two sold-out Middle Eastern dinners last week.

Altogether KRRG raised over $2,500 toward the initial $15,000 that must be in KRRG’s checking account before the actual process of welcoming new families to Kimberley can begin. Just ahead are more opportunities to move the group closer to its initial financial goal.

First, a look at the successes on March 9 and 11, when more than 80 people gathered at The Green Door for a four-course Middle Eastern dinner plus surprises.

In addition to building a stronger existing community around abundantly spread tables, guests broadened their experience of Middle Eastern culture. They savoured regional dishes, enjoyed the company of new friends and longtime acquaintances, and joined in the fun of a raffle for unusual prizes donated by generous local individuals and businesses.

And assuring a lively crowd, on Wednesday the Anadil Dancers delighted and on Friday, Tim Park plied guests with extra potent Middle Eastern coffee throughout the evening.

Kimberley residents Allan (pictured right) and Jill Sayegh prepared and co-hosted the two Middle Eastern feasts, with Green Door’s chef Jamie Funk enthusiastically supporting the effort in the kitchen. They were guided by recipes Mr. Sayegh’s mother brought with her to Canada when she left the part of Syria that is now Lebanon.

In addition to tasty results from the kitchen, diners were treated to Ty Turner’s enthusiast support in the dining room along with other Green Door helpers. Their clever decorating efforts assured a festive Middle Eastern atmosphere for the occasion. Musicians Jay Robinson and Nathan Taron filled both evenings with music, Jay especially eye-catching as he played his tabla.

Participants were urged to increase their own involvement with KRRG, both as financial contributors and as volunteers.

On Wednesday, Peggy Frederikse, KRRG’s Chair (pictured above with co-host Allan Sayegh) shared her enthusiasm for the endeavour and two nights later, Paula Gordon urged people to get involved.

A regular e-newsletter was announced, to keep interested people and organizations up to date on KRRG’s activities, needs and progress. Everyone is cordially invited to add themselves to this growing e-connection by sending a simple “Please add me” with, e-address, to [email protected].

Next up, on Saturday, March 19 from 5 to 7:30 p.m., KRRG and the Wasa Lions co-sponsor a spaghetti dinner, bake sale and raffle at the Wasa Community Hall.

Tickets are still available at Snowdrift Café: $15 for adults over 17, $10 for youth six to 16, kids five and under are free. Tickets are also available at the door, according to Wilma Harding, KRRG’s coordinator for this event. She’s pleased to add that gluten free and vegetarian sauces are also available.

Then just in time to shop for Mother’s Day and Graduation, KRRG volunteers Louise Hockley and Cyndy Moore are co-hosting a special fundraising Dessert Event on Thursday, March 31 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Anglican Church Hall. In addition to tasty delights and an eclectic silent auction, guests will find a Regal Gift table, featuring an array of high quality handmade items from around the world, including Silpada designs of sterling silver jewelry, scarves and leather handbags.

Details about these, upcoming events in the planning stages and a lot more can be found on KRRG’s website, Facebook and at ‘Berley TImes

Special thanks to those who made the two Middle Eastern evenings possible starting with Jaime, Ty and Dwayne of The Green Door, and including from Kimberley: Overwaitea Supermarket, Centex, Western Financial Insurance, Melody Motors in Marysville, Snowdrift Café, Anadil Dancers and Diane Moore; and from Calgary: Pita Factory Bakery, Byblos Bakery and Basha Foods International.

Kimberley Refugee Resettlement Group

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